Seven routes are on amber alert for possible disruption, including the main Arran route between Ardrossan and Brodick, Skye and North Uist, Oban-Coll-Tiree, and Mull and Iona.

Operations director Drew Collier said: “There is clear warning that major weather-related disruption to ferry services on the Clyde and Hebrides routes is likely.

“The sea conditions we are expecting could well be too treacherous to sail in.”

A Met Office spokesman said: “South-westerly severe gales will develop later on Thursday, increasing storm force for a time as they veer westerly overnight into early Friday.

“Gusts of 70 to 80mph are likely, and perhaps 90mph across exposed locations.”

The Met Office said “conditions will become very unstable leading to heavy, squally showers. Winds will begin to ease and veer more westerly across the Western Isles and the mainland on Friday morning and across the Northern Isles on Friday afternoon.

“Lighting associated will be an additional hazard, whilst large waves may lead to over-topping along some coasts.”

Abigail was one of an A to Z of storm names chosen by the public to raise awareness of severe weather.